Community Reviews

I have a 16 year old niece who has been ill for 3 years in Austraia and is not getting better. I was referred to Janice Bremis, the founder of GuideStar, through a colleague and what a gift this has been. Janice has been just fantastic. She has been super responsive and has a wealth of knowledge as well as an outstanding network of professionals to draw on. Janice has referred me to various professionals in GuideStar's network who have all responsive, caring and knowledgeable. They have provided various helpful suggestions which I have followed through on. Janice has also personally spent time with me on the phone describing her own situation and providing me with invaluable insight. GuideStar is an absolutely first rate non-profit company with international connections, not just US domestic and I would strongly recommend anyone who has an eating disorder themselves, or has a loved one with an eating disorder, utilize the services provided here.

I am a psychotherapist and I called seeking info for a client. EDRC's response to my call was swift and thorough. They handled my clients needs with care and helped us feel more able to navigate the system to get help. It's rare to experience a non-profit with such a quick response time, that feels so compassionate and happy to help.

By the time I was directed to the EDRC to help resolve a family eating disorder issue, Ms. Bremis' reputation had already preceded her. I'd heard about the strong portfolio of resources that they offered, as well as how positive and effective they were.

When I did go there in person I was offered all sorts of great materials, contacts and advice that proved to be vital in the treatment and recovery process. However, what stood out for me was the very insightful and personal connection EDRC makes with the "client". It made not only a big difference but left a lasting impression that I will continue to share with others in need.

I can't say enough about how much the erdc has helped and enriched my life. As a young woman who has struggled with some form of an eating disorder for more than half my life and have never had the courage to seek professional help, this place/organization opend so many doors to healing for me. I took a chance and went to a group meeting one Wednesday night a handful of months ago and I am happy to report that things are beginning to really change for me! I truly look forward to the meetings each month. I am so appretiative for the welcoming, safe, and supportive environment and staff they have. They even have a library of great self help books to borrow from which is great for those that want to continue therapy at home! They are a wealth of information on all facets of eating disorders. I don't know where I would be right now had this valuable resource not been available to me. I am truly grateful for the erdc!! If you are even considering getting help, take a step towards self love and check them out. You and they are worth it!

Last year, much to our horror, my husband and I determined that our 13-year-old daughter had succumbed to an eating disorder prior to the start of 8th grade. She had started to see treatment professionals, but in two months she had gotten worse rather than better. In need of other approaches and providers that would be in-plan for our insurance, I began to research other options. Finding the Website for the Eating Disorders Resource Center made all the difference. I combed through the site, using the directory of treatment professionals. Founder Janis Bremis, program director Kira Olson, and support group facilitator Debra Schlesinger shared their expertise with me on the phone in long consultations. When I attended the Friends and Family support group in Mt. View, Debra provided even more valuable information in the form of an eating disorder treatment handbook. Armed with the knowledge and guidance provided by EDRC, I was able to move forward with confidence and get my daughter into the LPCH Eating Disorders outpatient program. While she remains in treatment as she continues to deal with the psychological aspects of her disorder, she has maintained a stable healthy weight for six months. She is in a much better place than she was a year ago, but knowing that eating disorders can be tenacious foes, we aren't yet completely out of the woods. I am grateful to EDRC for the support they provided to my family at a time of crisis and it gives me solace knowing that they continue to be a resource as my daughter works to overcome this debilitating condition.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

My impression is that this organization operates on a shoestring, yet they were able to provide me with a lot of support. I would like to see them be better funded so that they could have a wider reach. Much of the services they are able to provide are in the South Bay/San Jose area. I wish there was more available mid-penisula. I also wish there was more available for teenager girls, perhaps programming that would debunk unrealistic media portrayals of girls and woman.